Exhibition of Park Soo-keun's works opens in Seoul

23 Sept 06:16 Key points summarised by AI

A major retrospective exhibition of artist Park Soo-keun's works, featuring over 170 pieces, has opened in Seoul, celebrating his heartwarming portrayal of ordinary Koreans amidst the hardships of the 1950s.
Park's life, marked by poverty and late recognition, deeply influenced his art, which depicts grassroots people in a simple, poignant style, drawing comparisons to white and gray Korean pottery.

The Buddha comes home

20 Oct 15:38 Key points summarised by AI

Chong Para is an annual three-day festival in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, where the Shan people celebrate the Buddha's mythical return from Tavatimsa heaven, marking the end of Buddhist Lent.
Families construct intricate "Chong Para" miniature palaces, decorated with colorful paper and ornaments, as an act of faith and a means of preserving traditional Shan craftsmanship across generations.
The festival transforms the quiet mountain town with vibrant folk music, traditional Shan bird dances, martial arts performances, and lively processions, immersing visitors in local culture.
It offers a unique glimpse into the living Shan traditions of Mae Hong Son, distinct from other northern Thai regions, fostering community bonds and cultural transmission.